6th-graders debate in Vernon

VERNON-- Students at W.A. Wettel Elementary are getting a taste of the elections process.

On Thursday, children in grades 2 through 6 running for student council, gave speeches and presentations in front of the student body to be elected as class officers.

At Wettel, students in grades 2 through 4 can be elected as student council representatives, with fifth and sixth grade students being able to run for officer positions such as president and vice president.

As students filed into the gymnasium for the third annual "School Council Convention," Principal Vince Pompo said this activity gives the children a chance to learn about elections and get some "real-life experience."

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"It teaches them about the political process," said Pompo, "It gives them that experience. It makes them more aware."

Pompo said that through classroom activities, "they are learning about democracy and how it works," and that the convention educationally ties in with the upcoming elections.

Convention activities centered around the students giving speeches, presentations or debates.

As handmade election posters plastered the hallways in the school and candidates talked issues affecting their peers.

The students filled the gym with excited energy as the candidates were introduced.

The candidates, in turn came to the gymnasium armed with notes and speeches.

Among the candidates preparing to "face off" in a debate, were sixth-graders Alexis Cole and Jacob Stover.

Both are 1l-year-olds from Vernon.

Discussing her platform prior to the convention, Cole said she has taken an anti-bullying stance during her campaign and, if elected, plans to work with school officials to find ways to help students struggling with classwork. She also wants to increase parent involvement in classroom activities.

"I like to help my friends with math and reading," she said, adding that she would like to see a peer, or "kid-to-kid" tutoring group started.

Cole said that this fall, she and her classmates have been learning about democracy and the importance of the political process in class and that holding the convention has made the whole learning process exciting.

Stover would like to ask area organizations to help raise bullying awareness, and to teach students to "respect one another."

"I think we should all be friends," he said.

Echoing his opponents' feelings, Stover also said that he would like to see a program in which older students could mentor younger students.

"I believe I can make a change," he said. Stover believes he can act as a "voice" for students who might not feel comfortable speaking up when they are bullied.

"People should feel safe and happy at school," Stover said.

On Friday, students will vote online for the candidate they want to win.